Neighbourhood.  What makes a house a real home is often the neighbourhood it's in.  Remember to take that into account when you are looking to buy.  Be sure that the house you purchase is in a location you can love and live in well.

People in Crescent Beach choose it because of all the natural beauty and opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature.  For instance, a Saturday in March finds many out for their early morning stroll.

What do you love about where you live?

The Federal Government has assistance programs to help homebuyers.  Research government program requirements to see if you are eligible!

1.  First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit - a $5000 non-refundable income tax credit on a qualifying home.  The credit provides up to $750 in tax relief to assist first time buyers with purchase costs.  Check the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) website:   www.cra-arc.gc.ca

2.  Home Buyers' Plan - a one-time withdrawal up to $25,000 from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) by first time buyers to help purchase or build a home.  Generally you have to repay all withdrawals from your RRSP within 15 years.  For more details, visit CRA's website:  www.cra-arc.gc.ca

3.  CMHC Green Home Program - when you CMHC-insured financing to buy or build an energy efficient home or make energy-saving renovations, you may qualify for a  premium refund of 10% on your mortgage default insurance and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (if applicable).  Check out CMHC's website:  www.cmhc.ca

Government programs can change over time.  For the most up-to-date information, refer to Service Canada's website:

www.servicecanada.gc.ca

RBC Ocean Park Offers a Free Information Session:  

Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Benefits

March 28, 2015 from 10 - 11am,

Ocean Park Community Assoc Hall, 1577 128 Street, South Surrey

Register online at www.rbc.com/bcevents   under the Life tab

Getting ready to sell your home means clearing out closets, basements, attics and crawlspaces.  And that means finding ways of dealing with all the "stuff" you no longer need or want.  Here are a few options:

Semiahmoo Bottle Depot, #28 - 15515 24 Avenue, 604-531-7669

     Mon & Thur: 6:30am to 5pm; Tue, Wed Fri, Sat: 9am to 5pm; Sun: 10am to 5pm

         Bottles, Cans, Tetra Paks, Milk Cartons (for refunds)

         Electronics, Landline & Cell Phones, Computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD Players, Home & Car Stereos

Regional Recycling - Cloverdale, 5534 176 Street, Surrey   885-701-7171   www.regionalrecycling.ca

     Mon to Sat: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm ;  Sun: 9am to 5pm

         Bottles, Cans, Tetra Paks, Milk cartons

         Electronics, Landline & Cell Phones, Computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD Players, Home & Car Stereos

         Household paints, stains, wood finishing oils, deck/floor paint, sealants, aerosol paints, pesticides

         Large & small appliances, Lighting, Exercise Equipment, Batteries

Canadian Tire,  3059 152 Street,  604-542-4317

         Car batteries any time at side wall near Staples

         You may drop off 4 tires per year, clean and off the rim during retail hours    www.tirestewardshipbc.ca

Canadian Mattress Recycling, 1210 Cliveden Ave, Delta 778-789-4373  www.canadianmattressrecycling.com

     Mon to Sat: 9am to 5pm

         Price list for different types of items ranging from desk chairs to sofa beds, chairs, mattresses & couches

         can be seen online.  Pick up can also be arranged.

Pacific Propane Container Recycling,  Rear of 13083 116 Avenue, Surrey   604-580-1688

     Hours vary with the season, call first for details.

         Propane and Butane tanks, both disposable and refillable.

Pharmasave Stores     www.medicationsreturn.ca

         Expired medication and used needles.

London Drugs Stores    www.greendeal.ca/recycling

         Electrical & electronic goods, CFLs, Disposable cameras, ink jet & laser cartridges, alkaline batteries

         Styrofoam, plastic and cardboard from their products

White Rock Rock Rotary Club Annual Book Sale  www.whiterockrotary.org

         Used books, Magazines, Records, Tapes, CDs and DVDs in good condition.  Several drop off locations and              for large numbers you can sometimes arrange pick up.  See website for up to date info.

Surrey Reuses    www.surreyreuses.com

         Exchange website where goods can be sold or given away - everything from fishtanks to camping gear.

City of Surrey (Emterra)     604-635-5478

         Large item pick up limited to 4 items per year (all at once or 4 spread out through the year)

         Non-working appliances, large furniture, taped boxes of household items

Russell's Rubbish Removal     604-787-7355     www.russellsrubbish.com

         Reasonable rates, prompt service and helpful drivers for pick up of items that need disposal.

        Will recycle items that can be recycled prior to disposing of the rest, including construction materials.

Recycling Council of B.C.

         Visit www.rcbc.bc.ca online for more new and existing programs and facilities.

         Try the Recyclepedia - just enter any item and your community to get specific recycling information.